Modular, open-source Focal Camera lets you design your own SLR
Focal Camera is an open source project designed to teach participants about the inner workings of a camera. You can fire up your laser cutter (or visit your local maker space), round up a supply of 3mm plywood or other material and follow the provided instructions to create the various modules that will make up a working camera. The modules are designed to interlock and connect to a cube-shaped base, so users can choose the pieces they want (guillotine shutter? optical viewfinder?) and arrange them into the Frankenstien's monster of a camera they've always dreamed of owning.
Mathijs van Oosterhoudt is the mastermind behind Focal Camera, which started as a workshop exercise. He put his project online hoping to educate more people about cameras by helping them building their own. The open source nature of the project also means anyone can contribute new module designs, as well as test and improve his existing designs. It's similar to the Lux project we saw not too long ago, which used 3D printed and Arduino-based electrical components.
Visit Focal Camera for directions and downloads to get started on your own camera. Would you like to try your hand at a project like this? Let us know in the comments.
|
|
|
|
|
Jun 5, 2018
|
Apr 24, 2018
|
Dec 20, 2017
|
Nov 27, 2017
|
Panasonic's Lumix DC-GX9 is a 20MP rangefinder-style mirrorless camera that aims to do a bit of everything. It borrows features from both the GX8 and the smaller GX80 / GX85, but does it strike the right balance?
App-based remote triggers are a fun and effective way to unlock even more creative potential from your camera. Here's a closer look at two popular brands.
Unlike most 360 cameras, the GoPro Fusion is designed to create both spherical and standard HD videos. If action/adventure is your game and your workflow is geared towards mobile and web, the Fusion may be the camera you’re looking for.
The Hasselblad X1D-50c is a mirrorless medium format camera from one of the most famous camera brands of the 20th century. Following a series of feature-enhancing firmware updates we've been able to complete our review.
The LG G7 ThinQ is a flagship device with a dual camera that departs from the norm: rather than the usual tele/wide combo, it offers wide and super-wide angle lenses. While it doesn't produce class-leading image quality, it's a solid option if you favor wide-angle shooting.
The instant camera market is heating up, and with four formats and 15+ cameras to choose from, we felt it was high time to examine them all and pick our favorite.
Whether you're hitting the beach in the Northern Hemisphere or the ski slopes in the Southern, a rugged compact camera makes a great companion. In this buying guide we've taken a look at seven current models and chosen our favorites.
What's the best camera for a parent? The best cameras for shooting kids and family must have fast autofocus, good low-light image quality and great video. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for parents, and recommended the best.
What's the best camera for shooting landscapes? High resolution, weather-sealed bodies and wide dynamic range are all important. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for shooting landscapes, and recommended the best.
What’s the best camera costing over $2000? The best high-end camera costing more than $2000 should have plenty of resolution, exceptional build quality, good 4K video capture and top-notch autofocus for advanced and professional users. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing over $2000 and recommended the best.
Comments